Oakland Raiders: 17 burning questions heading into the 2018 season
By Brad Weiss
Will Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington both make the team?
It seems like the tandem of Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington go hand in hand, and rightfully so, as they have been attached to each other during their first two NFL season. Both breaking into the league in 2016, both Richard and Washington have had their moments in the Silver and Black, but is one of their tenures with the team coming to an end?
Oakland brought in Doug Martin this offseason, and he will definitely be the No. 2 back behind Marshawn Lynch. While Richard and Washington have been useful in the return games, the addition of Dwayne Harris and Ryan Switzer could made at least one of them expendable this summer.
On the record, I like both backs, as I think they both bring something special to this team. The problem is, there is a legitimate logjam at running back, and the team will likely keep only four (including a fullback) at the position in 2018. Considering Keith Smith makes the team as fullback, they would mean either Richard or Washington will be the odd man out.
Of course, Oakland could hang on to both, but that seems unlikely when you start to try and piece together what the 53-man roster could look like for Week 1. The running back depth chart is one to keep an eye on all summer, as the Raiders could bid adieu to one of the fan favorites at the position.